Fighting crime through sports
Umzumbe was chosen for the programme because it has some of the highest rates of femicide and crimes against women and children, along with youth crime and substance abuse.
The ongoing cases of violent crimes against women and children in Umzumbe recently led to government departments turning to sports as a solution to the many social ills facing the community.
A Sports Against Crime initiative was held at the Mehlomnyama Sports Field under Umzumbe Municipality on Sunday, which saw the attendance of young people, community leaders, and government officials.
According to the acting head of the Department for Community Safety and Liaison, Nokuthula Khanyile, the objective of the programme was to promote a healthy lifestyle among young people and to prevent them from being lured into a life of crime, drugs and substance abuse.
Khanyile said the campaign was a partnership between the Department of Community Safety and Liaison and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
She said Umzumbe was chosen for the programme because it has some of the highest rates of femicide and crimes against women and children, along with youth crime and substance abuse.
“We are using sport to pull young people away from drugs and crime. If they are active and hopeful, they are less likely to fall into bad habits,” she said.
Meanwhile, the KZN MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula, said it was vital for the community to stand together.
Khawula said they partnered with the provincial safety structures to bring the games to communities as a way of spreading a message of peace and love.
“When we play sports, we keep young hands busy and away from crime. No one should be left out – traditional leaders, councillors, and residents all need to take part,” he said.
Khawula also announced that the department would allocate funds to upgrade and maintain local sports facilities, helping to create safe spaces where young people can grow and learn through games.
Throughout the day, various local netball and soccer teams competed for a trophy and monetary prizes.
For the netball games, the Young Stars walked away with first place and R7 500.
The Young United Netball Club took second place and won R5 000, while the Mehlomnyama Netball Club bagged third position and R3 500.
In the football matches, the Legends Football Club took first place and won R7 500, and the Mawuleni Football Club won second place, along with R5 000.
Also, Khanyile said: “We must work with the police and community policing forums. We must report criminal activity when we see it. With police resources stretched thin, residents are encouraged to take an active role in safety structures and speak out.”
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
